Prototype, critiques requested

I have several clients that are requesting bar stools (with backs). This is just a trial run and not for sale. I want suggestions and commentary. Made of Beetle Kill Pine. The seat is 30” off the floor, the back is 42” high, the seat is 16” wide. This is the first attempt ever at a chair.

The things I already want to change;

1. Seat needs to be wider2. Front foot rest is too low, MY feet don’t reach3. I want the back legs under the seat more. 4. Lean the back rest back slightly more (currently at 5 degree slope. )

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42 comments so far

FINALLY, I get to give some Constructive Criticism, although there is much to give that I can see. lol

Maybe just grind out some of the back like you did the seat to make them go together a little more. Back looks kind of flat (hard) like it is. taking a little off of it,like the seat, might soften up the look a little.

Monte…that looks really nice…!One thing that I always find comfortable in a solid wood chair is when the back also has a curve to fit the curve of my back. I see that you have cut into the seat with a contour. Other than that you did a fine looking chair. Building a chair is like anything we build in that it gets tweaked with each thing we learn from the previous one.

You said the front rest is too low, maybe you should reverse the front and sides. Have the side ones higher and the front and back ones low. The front of the seat seems to hang over the front a little too much. Maybe make the whole base a little bigger. Mind you, I have never made a chair. I’m like you, I have never made a chair, but have had people ask me to. I want to though. I really like the look. I envy you and that beetle kill pine. Oh yeah, nice looking dogs there Monte.

-- Bill M. I love my job as a firefighter, but nothing gives me the satisfaction of running my hand over a project that I have built and just finished sanding.

Love the chair buddy. You said that you want a bit more slant on the back and move the back legs forward a bit. Not sure that would be as stable as you have now. Maybe just slant the back a bit more and contour it for comfort. I have been on a bit of a stain kick as of late, and would love to see on with a light coat of Special Walnut, and one in Red Chesnut. I wonder what they would look like on beetle kill pine. Love the way you finish your beetle kill projects. Absolutely beautiful. Great job buddy. Im sure whatever you do to the chairs will be great.

Lots of good suggestions. I would think that the back could be a little higher. That’s all I’ve got! Looks good. Lots of Beetle Kill Pine around here. Lots of blue stain in it. You have done some good work with it. a lot better than the local guys.

your getting a really good start, sounds like your figuring out the things you want to change, wish i could offer you suggestions, but im not a chair man…i have faith you will figure it out….i like the wood

Looks good Monte. To me the seat looks a little cantilevered in the front. I’m not sure if the seat should be pushed back or just reduced in front to back length. Maybe increase the front to back length of the base?

I can’t disagree with other comments. As others have said, I would soften the back with contour for comfort. I would also consider lightening up the back with a cutout/handhold, to make it look lighter and perhaps more inviting. Can’t tell from the pictures, but yeah, you want to watch the stability. Especially should someone wish to lean back on the two back legs. Overall, it is a nice looking chair, just a bit bulky for my taste. A slight taper on the legs may help make it “lighter”.

I am looking forward to seeing the “final” rendition!!!

-- Randy-- I may not be good...but I am slow! If good things come to those who wait.... Why is procrastination a bad thing?